Paula Knows Best: Knee Socks Improve Running PerformanceThe last couple of years, Paula Radcliffe has switched to flesh-colored knee stockings when she races, so you might not have noticed that she's still wearing the geeky-looking things. But she is. And it's apparently a good decision. In this "within group" study, 21 athletes were monitored in the lab while wearing knee-high compression socks, and when not wearing the socks. Conclusion: "Stockings with constant compression in the area of the calf muscle significantly improved running performance." Source: Journal Of Strength And Conditioning Research. More

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Combo Of Exercise And Calcium Dramatically Lowers Metabolic SyndromeMetabolic syndrome is that awkward name applied to risks that increase the likelihood of diabetes, high blood pressure and heart disease. In this study of more than 5000 Illinois adults, those who did not meet exercise guidelines were 85 percent more likely to develop metabolic syndrome than those who did. Subjects who did not regularly eat calcium-rich foods were 61 percent more to develop met syndrome. Source: American Journal Of Health Promotion. More

More Good News For Calcium Fans: A Possible Explanation For A Dairy Calcium-Weight Loss ConnectionThe last several years have been full of conflicting and controversial stories about calcium from dairy products giving a possible boost to weight-loss efforts. This study didn't look at weight-loss, but at a mechanism that might support the calcium-weight loss connection. And the researchers found that increasing dairy calcium to 1600 mg/day for 7 days doubles fecal fat excretion. They note: "The results may partially explain why a high-calcium diet can produce weight loss. Source: International Journal Of Obesity. More

High Fructose Corn Syrup Differs Little From Sugar, Isn't The DevilWith the crushing obesity crisis hard upon us, high fructose corn syrup (HFCS) has been one of the most vilified contributors to the obesity problem. However, this new analysis says it's time to calm down: HFCS is biochemically little different from table sugar, and there's little reason to believe it is a special contributor to obesity and related healthy problems. Rather, HFCS, like sugar, is an empty calorie, and we consume too much of it. When that happens, we get fat, and when we get fat, lots of other bad things follow. Drink manufacturers use HFCS because it's cheaper than sugar, increasing their profits. Simple enough, and perhaps not worthy of the near hysteria that surrounds HFCS. Source: American Journal Of Clinical Nutrition. More

Acupuncture Relieves Muscle SorenessThis is a spotty report, with just 30 subjects. But the investigators found "significant differences" in muscle soreness among those who received acupuncture following an exercise regimen designed to produce muscle soreness. Source: Chinese Medicine. More

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